Hulman Center | Terre Haute

The Hulman Center, located on the campus of Indiana State University (ISU) in downtown Terre Haute, Indiana, is a prominent multi-purpose indoor arena and a cornerstone of community life and university pride. It has served as a center for athletic competitions, concerts, commencements, public speaking events, and cultural programming since it first opened in 1973. With a seating capacity of approximately 9,000, the arena is the largest indoor venue in Terre Haute and one of the most recognized collegiate arenas in the Midwest.

Historical Background

The Hulman Center was constructed with major financial support from Tony and Mary Fendrich Hulman, prominent Terre Haute philanthropists best known for their ownership of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Their $2.5 million gift was instrumental in the facility’s development. Ground was broken in 1971, and the facility officially opened its doors on December 14, 1973.

Originally known as the Hulman Civic University Center, it was envisioned as a shared civic and university facility-a place that would enrich both campus life and the wider Terre Haute community. Its construction marked one of the largest single building projects in ISU history at the time, costing around $10 million.

Architecture and 2020 Renovation

Original Structure

The arena was originally designed by Sverdrup & Parcel, a nationally recognized architectural firm known for engineering large-scale civic structures.

It was built to support a wide variety of events: athletics, concerts, exhibitions, and formal ceremonies.

Renovation (2018–2020)

From 2018 to 2020, the Hulman Center underwent a transformative $50 million renovation, funded through a combination of state funding, university capital, and private donations. The renovation, led by the architectural firms RATIO Design and HOK, was meant to modernize the aging structure without losing its iconic identity.

Key upgrades included:

New glass-fronted south entrance, enhancing natural light and improving the visual identity of the building from downtown Terre Haute.

Expanded concourses and new concession areas for better crowd flow and improved fan experience.

Club lounge and premium suites for special event seating and VIP guests.

Installation of modern LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and improved acoustic treatments.

Addition of a freight elevator, allowing for faster equipment transport during large-scale productions.

Aesthetic upgrades such as blue seating, updated signage, and architectural finishes inspired by the Sycamore tree, a nod to the university’s mascot and local heritage.

The exterior skin, with its dynamic interplay of metal and glass, brought the once utilitarian façade into harmony with contemporary campus design while projecting a new visual identity onto the downtown skyline.

Sporting Use and Athletic Legacy

Indiana State Sycamores Basketball

The Hulman Center has been the home arena for the ISU Sycamores men’s and women’s basketball programs since its opening.

The hardwood court was renamed in 2008 as the Nellie and John Wooden Court, in honor of the basketball legend John Wooden, an Indiana native and Hall of Fame coach.

The facility was central to the 1978–79 ISU men’s basketball season, which remains one of the most legendary in NCAA history. That team, led by Larry Bird, went undefeated in the regular season and advanced to the NCAA Championship Game against Michigan State (and Magic Johnson), catapulting the program to national fame.

Other Events

The arena has hosted Missouri Valley Conference tournaments, NCAA regional games, and even NBA exhibition games featuring the Indiana Pacers and other franchises.

It continues to host youth basketball camps, volleyball tournaments, and state-level high school athletic events.

Entertainment and Cultural Events

During the 1970s and 1980s, the Hulman Center was a premier concert venue for the region, attracting internationally acclaimed artists.

Past Performers:

Elvis Presley (scheduled to perform shortly before his death; a commemorative ticket remains a collector’s item)

Frank Sinatra

Aerosmith

Bob Dylan

KISS

Johnny Cash

The Beach Boys

Willie Nelson

The arena also hosted WWE wrestling events, political rallies, motivational speakers, and dance competitions. ISU’s spring and winter commencements take place in the Hulman Center, as do community events like science fairs, civic luncheons, and charity galas.

Venue Layout and Features

Capacity: Approximately 9,000–10,200, depending on event configuration

Main Floor: Retractable seating to accommodate concerts, trade shows, and graduations

Suites and Club Areas: Includes premium seating with hospitality access

Backstage Facilities: Dressing rooms, production offices, and loading docks for concerts and large-scale productions

Media Center: Equipped for TV broadcasting, live streaming, and press conferences

Downtown Integration and Community Impact

The Hulman Center is not isolated on the ISU campus-it sits at a vital downtown intersection and acts as an architectural and social bridge between campus life and the Terre Haute business district. The 2020 renovation strengthened this integration by:

Creating more public gathering spaces

Improving street visibility and walkability

Serving as a civic hub for local and statewide events

It continues to function as a catalyst for economic and cultural activity, bringing thousands of visitors to Terre Haute each year.

Conclusion

The Hulman Center is more than an arena-it’s a symbol of Indiana State University’s athletic spirit, cultural outreach, and community leadership. From the legacy of Larry Bird to world-class musical performances and decades of student milestones, the center has played a central role in shaping the identity of Terre Haute. With its ambitious renovation complete, the Hulman Center stands ready to serve future generations with the same energy, flexibility, and pride that defined its first fifty years.